Pierre Gasly believes Sepang International Circuit offers the best conditions for a wet weather race in 2026, with Formula 1 still awaiting its first rain-affected session under the new technical regulations. The Alpine driver highlighted Malaysia's rough track surface, hot temperatures and elevation changes as perfect for clearing standing water.

The FIA has made several regulatory changes this year to address wet weather safety concerns, including increased tire blanket temperatures for intermediates, capped electrical power, and banned boost mode in wet conditions. Despite these modifications, drivers have expressed ongoing concerns about tire temperature management.

Pirelli chief engineer Simone Berra agrees that Sepang presents the optimal location for wet tire testing, contrasting it with Montreal where cold conditions and low-energy corners created what he called 'the perfect storm.' In Malaysia's hot conditions, the main concern would be tire overheating rather than difficulty reaching operating temperature.

The extreme heat and rough asphalt at Sepang could create a rare scenario where full wet tires become the preferred race compound rather than intermediates. Berra expects that when Malaysia experiences its typical monsoon conditions, proper water dissipation capabilities will be essential despite the risk of rapid tire overheating.